CARPET 101

Which is better, nylon or olefin?

Neither is really better than the other, but they perform in different ways.  Nylon is usually used in plush or freizes and olefins are generally used for the Berbers.  Nylon doesn't crush like olefins can, but can be more difficult to get stains out of.  Some olefins are virtually stain proof because they are non-absorbent.  Olefin can be limited in color range and are susceptible to friction burns. 

Why can olefins feel greasy?

Olefin fibers are pushed or extruded in the yarn processing process and they have to be lubricated.  This residue can sometimes still be felt on the final product.  So look for Berbers that are pre-washed to remove processing oils that attract dirt.

What is Tactesse?

Tactesse is a Dupont nylon product that feels good and looks good.  It has a very soft touch to it because of the fine filaments.  It looks great because of the unique cross-section of the fiber and delustering additives within the polymer itself.  This gives it the appearance of a natural fiber and it is a great wool alternative.  It has a tighter, more densely packed fiber bundle that increases resistance to matting and crushing.  This is one of the best advances in carpeting.

What about wool?

Oh, so soft.  There is no doubt the feel of wool is luxury indeed.  Wool is prestigious and resilient.  It has the ability to hold or release water vapor as required by climate conditions.  Wool has scales arranged much like roofing shingles.  This keeps dust and dirt near the surface where it can be released by vacuuming.  It can be expensive and hard to get out some stains, but it is versatile and the fibers scatter light reducing soil visibility.

What is freize?

A freize (fre-say') indicates a high cable twist of the yarns.  A freize has at least six twists per inch.  TPI (twists per inch)  A higher yarn twist rating means improved strength and resilience which provides texture retention benefits.  This means your carpet will spring back better when stepped on.  The longer cables also will twist over so that you will not be continually stepping on the surface tip of the yarns, but also on the sides.

What should I know about the backing?

Always take a look at the carpet backing.  The tighter the weave of the jute, the easier it is for the installer to cut straight lines, which is very important for low piles and pattern matches.  Tighter backs are more flexible, stable, and increase the durability of the carpet.  The more open the weave, the more latex it takes to hold the yarns in place.  Bend the corner carpet sample to flex the backing to make sure that no latex particles fall away.

What is branded carpet?

Look for Dupont StainMaster, Wear Dated, or Scotchguard to get the best warranties on stain resistance.

What about tracking?

Tracking will almost always occur on saxonies, plushes, and freizes.  Try a looped, looped Berber, cut-loop, or Berber cut-pile to minimize footprints.

How often should I clean my carpet?

Manufacturers recommend professional steam-cleaning your carpet every 12 to 18 months.  The DIY cleaners have to be used with care.  Do not over-wet your carpet.  It can cause shrinkage, mildew, and delamination.  Be sure to not overuse the detergents because if it is not totally removed, the residue soap will actually attract dirt.  For light cleaning or for concentrating on high traffic areas, you might consider a product like Capture.  It is a powder that you sprinkle on your carpet, wait, then vacuum up for a fresh new look.

Vacuum at least once a week.  The more people that reside in your household, the more you should vacuum.  Thorough vacuuming involves three to five slow passes over an area.  Cut pile requires more vacuuming than level loop.  Vacuum from all directions, from the four compass points. 

What kind of pad should I use?

There are many types of pads out there and we will tell you what we use and why.  For Berbers we use a 32 oz 3/8" pad.  Felt pad is for firm support needed for Berbers.  For saxonies, plushes, loops, and basically all other carpets, we recommend and use foam pad.  We use 8 lb, 1/2" foam that is 100% new product.  Lesser quality foams are regrinds of old foam and we never recommend using this type of product.  8 lb foam will definitely increase the life of your carpet.

WE HAVE CAREFULLY SELECTED CARPET LINES THAT HAVE BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTS AND WILL SERVE YOUR NEEDS.  WE KNOW YOU WANT THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR YOUR HOME.

WE CARRY:     Royalty
                           Gulistan
                           Kraus
                           Unique Wool
                           JL Benson
                           Oriental Weavers
                           Shaw Area Rugs
                           Bombax Rag Rugs